1. HISTORY - Aner wildlife sanctuary came into existence vide Government of Maharashtra, Gazette Notification dated 10 October 1986. Area constituted by sanctuary is 82.94 sq.km includes 14 compartments with Sule & Hisale rounds. The area includes one revenue villages Mahadeo Dondwada & six settlements. The tribal population is predominant in this area. these people are totally depend upon forest for their needs. Existence of wildlife in this track have been mentioned in the Khandesh gazetteer, according to it upto 17th century the hilly track was great breeding place for wild elephants but due tp frequent Moghal conquest they driven out during 18 th century. Upto begining of 19 th century tiger & leopard were present in large number but later number decreased vastly.

3. Topography - Aner wildlife sanctuary is situated in Satpuda ranges running east - west. It comprises of low hillocks along the both sides of Mahadeo Dondwada road & the area is plain with gentle slopes. Average elevation varies from 200 M & 500 M above MSL. Mainly Aner River drains the track flows at east side of sanctuary. In between hill ridges the track comprises of small hills, undulating grounds, patches of flat terrain.

4. Geology - The major of satpuda is covered by basaltic flows, commonly knows as Deccan traps except narrow strips of alluvium on both side of the major streams.

5. Climate - There are 3 distinct seasons as follows - Monsoon from July to October, winter from November to February, summer from March to May.

SIGNIFICANCE - The anerdan sanctuary has dry deciduous forests. The area is of crucial importance as it lies in between the National Highway No.3 & Aner river. The sanctuary is rich in flora & fauna & is very important habitat of Chinkara. A part of the sanctuary the Anerdam, medium irrigation project is beautiful recreational spot. Shirpur has religeous importance Shri. Balaji temple is located in the city; thousands of pilgrims visit the temple all round the year. It is only sanctuary in Dhule district which provide eco tourism to people.

Satpuda ranges have numbers of protected areas such as Pench National park, Melghat tiger reserve, Yawal wildlife sanctuary, Anerdam sanctuary & this track is very important for the movement of free flow of wildife & exchange of genes. Hence Anerdam wildlife sanctuary forms an important link of this protected area network. The conservation & proper management of the entire area can create an ideal biosphere reserve. The proposed tiger corridor like Melghat - Yawal sanctuary - Anerdam sanctuary which connect to forest of satpuda tiger reserve in MP & from there to Pench tiger reserve both in MH & MP significant for tiger habitat.

Contacts

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